At the Department of Early Learning (DEL), we work with Tribal Nations to help ensure all children and families have access to the early learning resources and information they need.
Here are a few ways that DEL supports and collaborates with Washington tribes:
- The DEL Tribal Liaison acts as the main point of contact for Tribal Nations.
- The Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) currently has five sites operated by tribal organizations. DEL recently expanded ECEAP in communities that will increase access for American Indian children.
- 20-hour and 10-hour STARS trainings are offered annually to tribal child care providers.
- A tribal certification process specific to child care licensing is available for tribes.
- Tribal Nations are represented and involved in large-scale, statewide projects through focus groups, stakeholder meetings and committee involvement.
- DEL funds parent support and education projects that provide hands-on parent-child activities, parent education and family support services.
- Tribal Nations and DEL participate in annual Tribal Early Learning Conferences.
Building Partnerships – 2008 Highlights provides an overview of the broad array of services and supports available to Tribal Nations throughout the state.
This section provides an overview of the Centennial Accord, as well as the process for developing the DEL Centennial Accord plan between DEL and Tribal Nations.
Read More >
This section provides an overview of the tribal certification process for certifying a tribal child care.
Read More >